Advanced search
- TITLES
- NAMES
- COLLABORATIONS
Search filters
Enter full date
to
or just enter yyyy, or yyyy-mm below
to
Only includes names with the selected topics
to
or just enter yyyy, or yyyy-mm below
to
1-50 of 551
- Actor
- Producer
- Soundtrack
Manuel Luis Jacinto is a Canadian actor born in the Philippines. After several small roles on television, his breakout role came starring as Jason Mendoza on the NBC sitcom The Good Place (2016-2020). He has appeared as Waring 'Wade' Espiritu in the Neo-noir thriller film Bad Times at the El Royale (2018) and as Fritz in the action drama film Top Gun: Maverick (2022).- Actor
- Writer
- Producer
Born in Manila, Philippines, Bryan Callen made his television debut as a series regular on Mad TV (1995) and the HBO prison series Oz (1997). He was recently seen as Kirstie Alley's wisecracking assistant on Showtime's comedy series Fat Actress (2005). Callen has appeared on several television series including Sex and the City (1998), 7th Heaven (1996), Stacked (2005), The King of Queens (1998), Las Vegas (2003), Significant Others (1998), The West Wing (1999), CSI: Crime Scene Investigation (2000), Law & Order: Special Victims Unit (1999), NYPD Blue (1993), Suddenly Susan (1996), Frasier (1993) and NewsRadio (1995), among others. In addition, Callen has appeared in such feature films as Bad Santa (2003) and Old School (2003) and has performed stand up comedy on several TV shows.- Actor
- Soundtrack
Santos was born in Manila, Philippines and moved with his family to the United States when he was sixteen, residing in Gresham, Oregon and attending Gresham's Centennial High School. Santos studied acting at Southern Oregon University. He worked for several years in the costume department of the Oregon Shakespeare Festival. He later moved to California where before getting his big TV break, Santos regularly performed as a stand-up comic. He was also part of the talk show round-table Chelsea Lately.- Susan Penhaligon was born on 3 July 1949 in Manila, Philippines. She is an actress, known for A Fine Romance (1981), Count Dracula (1977) and Patrick (1978). She was previously married to Duncan Preston, David Munro and Nicholas Loukes.
- Actress
- Music Department
- Soundtrack
Lea Salonga began her singing career at the age of ten, when she recorded her first album, Small Voice. She also hosted her own musical TV show, "Love, Lea". She starred in "Miss Saigon" and was then offered the role of the singing voice of Jasmine in the Disney film Aladdin (1992). She has continued to record albums. Lea has performed for Queen Elizabeth II, George Bush, and Bill Clinton.- Actress
- Producer
- Soundtrack
Neile Adams was born in Manila, the Philippine Islands on July 10, 1932 as María Ruby Neilam Arrastia y Salvador of Eurasian descent as her DNA attests. Her bloodline, to clarify erroneous reports, consists of 26% mixture of Chinese, Japanese, Mongolian, 7% Polynesian and 67% Spanish Basque and English, although her maternal grandmother's name was changed from Sulse to Schultz when that family emigrated to Spain from Germany. She spent WW2 in Japanese-occupied Manila, came to America in 1948, graduated high school the following year from Rosemary Hall (now Choate Rosemary Hall) in Greenwich, Connecticut and immediately went to New York to study dancing where she got a scholarship at the Katherine Dunham School of Dance. To ward off being cast exclusively as a "señorita" or in just plain old Spanish-speaking parts because of her name, her mother claimed Adams was her father's middle name. Never having seen nor met her father she soon became Neile Adams.
In 1953, she was cast as a dancer in "Kismet" and shortly became one of the lead dancers in the show. When the show closed in 1955 she was offered a showy role in the Versailles Nightclub where George Abbott and Bob Fosse caught her performance and offered her the Carol Haney role in "The Pajama Game" just as soon as her contract ended with the club. To meet both deadlines she performed at night and rehearsed during the day. She met Steve McQueen shortly thereafter and married four months after their formal introduction. The couple had two children, Terry McQueen (born 1959) and Chad McQueen (born 1960). The marriage legally ended in 1972. Neile is the grandmother of actor Steven R. McQueen. She remarried in 1980 to Alvin Toffel, a political campaign manager and president of the Norton Simon Museum. This union lasted until Toffel's passing in 2005.
Broadway credits: featured dancer in "Kismet", starred in "Pajama Game" opposite John Raitt and Julie Wilson, and Broadway-bound "At The Grand" opposite Paul Muni. She married McQueen while filming MGM's This Could Be the Night (1957) when she was under contract. Adams opened the Tropicana Hotel in Las Vegas in 1958 with Dick Shawn and Vivian Blaine. Television revues later became her main staple as she raised her family. She appeared on such programs as Perry Como's Kraft Music Hall (1948), The Bob Hope Show (1950), The Pat Boone-Chevy Showroom (1957), The Patrice Munsel Show (1956), The Eddie Fisher Show (1957) and The Walter Winchell Show (1956), among others. She played opposite McQueen and villainous Peter Lorre on a macabre episode of Alfred Hitchcock Presents (1955) and starred in two other Hitchcock episodes. In the '60s and '70s she guest-starred in almost all the popular dramatic shows, such as The Man from U.N.C.L.E. (1964), Vega$ (1978), Fantasy Island (1977), The Rockford Files (1974), The Bionic Woman (1976) and Love, American Style (1969), to name a few. On film, she played Burt Reynolds' wife in Fuzz (1972), was directed by Billy Wilder in Buddy Buddy (1981) and appeared in Chu Chu and the Philly Flash (1981). Adams continues to perform her cabaret shows in L.A., New York, London and Paris.- Actress
- Producer
- Soundtrack
While at high school she wanted to be a vet. She moved to New York to earn money for medical school by modeling and was soon appearing in magazines and advertisements. An agency sent her for a film audition resulting in her getting a role in 'Grasslands' filmed in South Dakota in 1971. The title was changed to 'Hex' but wasn't released. She fell in love with her Grassland co star Keith Carradine in 1972, moved to Los Angeles to pursue her career and to be with Keith.- Christine Bermas was born on 30 August 2001 in Manila, Philippines. She is an actress, known for Beyond the Sky (2022), Bedspacer (2024) and Batang Quiapo (2023).
- AJ Raval was born on 3 September 2000 in Manila, Philippines. She is an actress, known for Death of a Girlfriend (2021), Ang probinsyano (2015) and Sitio Diablo (2022).
- Actress
- Additional Crew
- Second Unit Director or Assistant Director
Dolly De Leon was born on 12 April 1969 in Manila, Philippines. She is an actress and assistant director, known for Triangle of Sadness (2022), Ang duyan ng magiting (2023) and Verdict (2019).- Actress
- Producer
- Writer
Lourdes Faberes was born in Manila, Philippines. She is an actress and producer, known for The Sandman (2022), Boiling Point (2021) and Operation Fortune: Ruse de Guerre (2023).- Actor
- Soundtrack
Also played the character Ho-Jon on the television series M*A*S*H. He played the cabin boy to Hawkeye Pierce (Alan Alda) and Trapper John McIntyre (Wayne Rogers). He appeared in 7 episodes in the first and second seasons (1972-73). He left in Season two when money was raised for him to come to the states to attend college.- Born Rita Hernandez in Manila, Philippines, Pilar Seurat moved to Los Angeles in her childhood and started out as a dancer in Ken Murray's "Blackouts" troupe. In the late 1950s she started her acting career in several guest TV appearances, and was often considered at the top of the list whenever a part for an Asian woman needed to be filled. Off screen she used the name Pilar Cerveris after marrying her second husband, Don Cerveris. She died June 2, 2001, in Los Angeles due to lung cancer, at the age of 62.
- Actress
- Writer
- Producer
Meiling Melançon was born to a Chinese/Japanese father and French mother, but was raised by her step-father who is American. Her childhood was spent in countries in Asia and Europe. At the age of five she learned to play guitar and was in a Summer children's band called The Blossoms that toured around Japan. In her early teens, her family moved to the United States for the first time. She originally was aiming to pursue a career in Law. However, things changed when at the age of 18, her friend submitted her to the renowned modeling agency Kim Dawson in Dallas, Texas. Thus began a successful career as a model in both print and commercials. To date, she has appeared in over 75 commercials worldwide. From the advertising side, casting directors started calling her in for theatrical roles. Mei has trained extensively for the last 12 years under Larry Moss and Nancy Banks.
She co-wrote and acted in the Americana thriller American Romance in 2014.
She directed a short film Cafe On A Staircase; wrote a comedy short Inner Beauty, starring Liz Carey and Victoria's Secret model Frankie Rayder for Funnyordie.com; Co-wrote a short film entitled Stephany + Me with Ben Duhl co-starring Tara Summers which won an audience award at the Palm Spring Film Festival.
Mei produced a PSA starring comedian Todd Glass called Is It? Which won a student Emmy and has been covered by The Huffington Post, Perez Hilton, and Upworthy, among other news outlets.
As a creator, Mei has numerous projects in development. She is also a freelance writer for Giant Robot Magazine.
She resides in Los Angeles with her fiancé and child.- Actor
- Soundtrack
Born in the Philippines, Paolo is one of two children. The Montalban family moved to America when Paolo was just one year old. He lived in an apartment in Manhattan, and then in New Jersey, where he grew up in a neighborhood surrounded by mostly Filipinos. He grew up in a musical family: his father played the piano, two aunts studied the violin and piano at Juilliard, and his mother was involved in the theater while a student at St. Paul's College in Manila. Like many other Filipino American children, he learned how to play the piano, as well as the violin and saxophone. And like many Filipino American children, he doesn't play anymore. When Paolo was attending grade school, he auditioned for his school's production of "Oliver" and got the lead role.
Paolo graduated with a pre-med course at Rutgers University in New Brunswick, New Jersey. After graduation, he had his eyes set on Broadway. His parents only wish was for him to get a college degree, which he did. However, after he got his diploma, he went straight for Broadway. His parents did support him in his decision primarily because he had a New York agent during his last year in college, with whom shortly after signing, secured him his first professional job on a national tour with "Man of La Mancha".
Paolo's success has convinced many Filipinos that he is the next best thing to happen to them since Lea Salonga. In an interview, he laughs saying "I wouldn't put myself in the same scale. She's a star. I'm just a guy." Though he may think he is just a guy, he too is considered a star to many people. Paolo understands the disadvantages of being an Asian actor in Hollywood. There isn't much in Hollywood for a stereotypical Asian who knows Kung-fu, who's a gangster or delinquent, or a wise munk of some sort. Still, nothing is stopping him. In the mean time, he's busy auditioning for other roles and relaxing playing video games and watching the cartoon channel.- Writer
- Producer
- Director
Brian Yuzna was born on 30 August 1949 in Manila, Philippines. He is a writer and producer, known for The Dentist (1996), Beyond Re-Animator (2003) and Faust (2000). He is married to Cathy Yuzna. They have four children.- Angeline Aril was born on 21 July 2004 in Manila. She is an actress, known for Cheaters (2024) and Mahal ko ang mahal mo (2024).
- Duke Fishman was born on 15 July 1906 in Manila, Philippines. He was an actor, known for The Doris Day Show (1968). He died on 22 December 1977 in Palm Springs, California, USA.
- Elena Wohl was born on 25 April 1963 in Manila, Philippines. She is an actress, known for Spotlight (2015), The Invention of Lying (2009) and Quantum Leap (1989). She is married to Dave Wohl. They have two children.
- Actress
- Producer
Myrna Castillo was born on 1 May 1966 in Manila, Philippines. She is an actress and producer, known for Virgin People (1984), Black Sheep Baby (1989) and Patigasan... ang laban (1990).- Actress
- Soundtrack
Carla Abellana was born on 12 June 1986 in Manila, Philippines. She is an actress, known for Shake Rattle and Roll 12 (2010), My Husband's Lover (2013) and Manila Kingpin: The Asiong Salonga Story (2011). She has been married to Tom Rodriguez since 2021.- Cristine Reyes was born on 5 February 1989 in Marikina City, Metro Manila, Philippines. She is an actress, known for UnTrue (2019), El Presidente (2012) and Kristine (2010). She has been married to Ali Khatibi since 27 January 2016. They have one child.
- Actress
- Writer
- Producer
Born in the Philippines and raised on the island of Guam, Rain Valdez is a trailblazing force in the entertainment industry, breaking boundaries as an accomplished actress, writer, and producer. Rain made history with her stellar performance in the groundbreaking series Razor Tongue, catapulting her to become the first Filipino American Transgender Actress nominated for a Primetime Emmy in the "Outstanding Actress in a Short Form Comedy or Drama Series" category. Her exceptional talent garnered not only this prestigious recognition but also a 'Special Recognition' GLAAD Award.- Angelica Panganiban was born in Payatas, Quezon City on November 4, 1986. Her biological mother is a Filipina who died in 2008 and was buried in Singapore, while her biological father, Mark Charlson is an American from Iowa, United States and a former member of the US Navy. She acquired the surname Panganiban from her adoptive family. Panganiban finished elementary school in 1999 at St. Vincent School in Teacher's Village, Quezon City, and high school in 2003 at the same school's Main campus along West Avenue. She was the Junior-Senior Prom Princess in 2002 and Miss Junior and Senior Prom in 2003. She was also a cheerleader and a Feature Editor in their school newspaper. She attended college at Thames International Business School, majoring in Mass Communication before transferring to Ateneo de Manila University where she majored in Bachelor of Fine Arts, Creative Writing.
- Actor
- Soundtrack
Ian Veneracion was born on 7 February 1975 in Metro Manila, Philippines. He is an actor, known for Nanahimik ang gabi (2022), Block Z (2020) and The Iron Heart (2022).- Actor
- Director
- Additional Crew
Coco Martin is one of the celebrities in the Philippines that earned his break through the indie scene. Coco or born as Rodel Nacianceno was dubbed as "The King of Philippine Independent Films." Coco was born on November 1, 1981 in Manila, Philippines. He is living with his grandmother whom he considers as his second mother. He has five siblings in total both from his biological parents. Who would've known that Mr. Leading Man was once an OFW (Overseas Filipino Worker) based in Alberta, Canada. He worked as a janitor for housekeeping. He earned a Bachelor's Degree on HRM (Hotel and Restaurant Management) in National College of Business and Arts.
He started his indie film journey lead starring in The Masseur (2005). The same film earned him the Young Critics Circle Best Actor Award in 2006. On the same year, he starred in another indie film titled Kaleldo (2006). The indie films Daybreak (2008) and Jay (2008) earned him his first Gawad Urian for Best Supporting Actor. Coco created another masterpiece this time with international award winning director, Brillante Mendoza. The film was entitled Butchered (2009) and it was applauded by international audiences.
His mainstream career started in ABS-CBN's talent agency, Star Magic. In 2001, he made his first cameo appearance in the film titled Luv Text (2001). He ventured in other networks in 2007 but after a year he came back home to his Kapamilyas. Star Cinema just recently released his first mainstream movie Born to Love You (2012) together with Angeline Quinto.
The Two of Us (2009) in 2009 made his career unprecedented. His character Ramon Lecumberri won him the 2009 Best Drama Actor in the Star Awards for Television. After this, the rest was history. In 2010, he took the role of twins Alexander and Javier Del Tierro in Minsan lang kita iibigin (2011). This granted him well deserved nominations from a lot of award giving bodies such as KBP Golden Dove Awards and Star Awards for TV to name some.
He is known for starring as lead, Daniel Guidotti, in ABS-CBN's top rated primetime drama show Walang hanggan (2012) for which he worked with his co-star Julia Montes in the film A Moment in Time (2013). In 2013, he is also best known for starring as the title character in the fantasy action drama series Juan Dela Cruz (2013).
In 2014, he starred in the films Maybe This Time (2014) alongside Sarah Geronimo and Feng Shui 2 (2014) alongside Kris Aquino. In 2015, he starred in the romantic comedy You're My Boss (2015) alongside Toni Gonzaga and the action comedy Beauty and the Bestie (2015) alongside Vice Ganda. He continues his work as a leading actor in both film and television.- Actor
- Camera and Electrical Department
- Additional Crew
George Estregan was born on 10 July 1939 in Tondo, Manila, Philippines. He was an actor, known for Kid kaliwete (1978), Sa bulaklak ng apoy (1984) and Lumakad kang hubad... Sa mundong ibabaw (1980). He died on 8 August 1988 in Santa Mesa, Manila, Philippines.- Actress
Joanna Cindy Veron Miranda (born November 19, 1990) is a Filipina actress and winner of the Binibining Pilipinas Tourism 2013 beauty pageant.
She is the daughter of Ana and Tony Miranda. She has four siblings. Miranda finished her degree in Tourism at the University of Santo Tomas in 2011 with cum laude honors.
In 2011, she joined the cast of Pinoy Big Brother: Unlimited. She became co-host of the variety game show Wil Time Bigtime from 2012 to 2013.
Miranda competed and won the Binibining Pilipinas Turismo 2013 pageant and won the Binibining Petron and Cream Silk Beyond Beautiful Woman Award.
She represented the Philippines in the Miss Tourism Queen International 2013 pageant in Xianning, China on October 3, 2013 At the end of the pageant, she placed in the Top 10.
Her debut in feature films date back to 2015 with the film No Boyfriend Since Birth (2015) with a supporting role, then it would take her 3 years to return to the big screen with Ang pambansang third wheel (2018) alongside the also gorgeous Yassi Pressman and she would not stop working in movies anymore. His best known movies are Maria (2019) (2019) starring the beautiful Cristine Reyes, Adan (2019) with a leading role alongside Rhen Escano, Nerisa (2021) (2021) alongside AJ Raval and Sheree among others, My Husband, My Lover (2021) (2021) together with Kylie Verzosa, House Tour (2021) (2021) together with Sunshine Guimary or the thriller Reroute (2022) (2022) with Nathalie Hart.
In 2022 she has started shooting the mini series Iskandalo (2022).- Actress
- Producer
Lorna's parents were Eloisa Perez and Amado Aluquin. Her birth name was Lorna Perez Aluquin. She attended the elementary grades at St Anthony School where she also finished high school She took up a Bachelor of Arts course at St Paul College in Quezon City, and also at the University of Sto Tomas and Maryknoll College. She is first cousin to actress Amy Austria and a niece of actor Jerry Pons. She was married to Rudy Fernandez from 1983 till his untimely death in 2008. They had two children. She first appeared in Prima Productions' My Little One (1970) using the screen name of Giselle. Later she changed this to Lorna Tolentino, after Siony Tolentino, who helped her enter the movie world of FPJ Productions. She played the young Susan Roces in Divina Gracia (1970). Her first starring role was in Langit Ko ang Pag-Ibig Mo (1975) with ;Eddie Garcia (I)' and Panchito. She appeared with Roberto Gonzalez and Rodel Naval in Subok na Matatag (1975); was paired with Tirso Cruz III in Dalagita (1976); and with Rudy Fernandez in Leap year ngayon, lagot ka pipikutin kita (1976). Other movies she made during this period are Baby Doll (1978), Miss Dulce Amor, Ina (1978), Katawang alabok (1978), Iskandalo (1979), Stepsisters (1979); Dalaga (1979); and Bakit May Putik Ang Bulaklak (1979). The 1980s proved a turning point in her career when she rent award-giving bodies. Her outstanding films of this period and the nominations she received are: Moral (1982), Urian, Filipino Academy of Movie Arts and Sciences (FAMAS), Star, Metro Manila Film Festival (MMFF) and Film Academy of the Philippines (FAP); Init sa magdamag (1983), Urian, FAMAS and Star; Huwag mo kaming isumpa (1986), FAMAS and Star; Maging akin ka lamang (1987), FAMAS; Natutulog pa ang diyos? (1988), FAMAS, Urian and Star; Nagbabagang luha (1988), FAP, FAMAS and Star; Kailan mahuhugasan ang kasalanan? (1989), FAMAS and Star; and Spark in the Dark (1991), Urian, FAMAS, FAP and Star. Tolentino has had 14 FAMAS nominations for Best Actress and won three times: Narito ang puso ko (1992), Abakada... Ina (2001), and Katas ng Saudi (2007). She won the FAMAS award of Best Child Performer for Lumuha pati mga anghel (1971),alongside best child actor Arnold Gamboa, her costar. Her incredible feat in 1992 for the film Narito ang puso ko (1992) earned her the monicker "Grandslam actress," a distinction given to only one other actress, Vilma Santos, who first did a grandslam in 1984. The film itself had a total of 13 nominations and 4 best actress wins for Lorna: from FAMAS, FAP, Urian, Star Awards, as well as a nomination from the Young Critics' Circle. From FAP, she has three Best Actress Awards: Maging akin ka lamang (1987), Narito ang puso ko (1992) and Abakada... Ina (2001); from Gawad Urian she has had ten nominations. Tolentino also has had her share of television work, including four very successful soap operas: Kay Tagal Nang Hinintay (2002-2003), entitled "Timeless (2002)" for viewers abroad; "Hanggang kailan (2004)"; Dahil May Isang Ikaw (2009-2010), entitled "Destined Hearts (2009-2010)" for viewers abroad; and the current soap "Minsan lang kita iibigin (2011)", as the lead Allondra Del Tierro. She appeared in 8 episodes of the hugely successful "May bukas pa (2009-2010)" detailing the chronicles of a young boy who could talk to God. Her two sons with Fernandez, Rap Fernandez and Renz Fernandez have entered show business in recent years.- Actor
- Additional Crew
- Soundtrack
Daniel Padilla was born on 26 April 1995 in Manila, Philippines. He is an actor, known for The Hows of Us (2018), Barcelona: A Love Untold (2016) and Whether the Weather Is Fine (2021).- Actor
- Production Manager
- Additional Crew
Piolo Pascual was born on 12 January 1977 in Manila, Philippines. He is an actor and production manager, known for Don't Give Up on Us (2006), The Seventies (2002) and Silong (2015).- Director
- Producer
- Writer
Producer/director Cirio H. Santiago is the son of Dr. Ciriaco Santiago, who founded Premiere Productions in Manila in 1946. He has two siblings. After starting out as a producer he started directing English-language movies in the early 70s. Santiago became one of the pioneers of the "Blaxploitation" genre by being one of the first to cast black actors and especially actresses as strong action heroes. Movies like TNT Jackson (1974) became instant cult classics. In the 80s, Santiago became known for his numerous low-budget Vietnam war movies such as Firehawk (1993) which gave him a reputation as the "master of the Vietnam war genre". A long running partnership with Roger Corman assured proper distribution of his movies in the USA. Many of today's hottest filmmakers such as Jonathan Demme, Joe Dante or Carl Franklin got their first directing jobs with Santiago. In 1995 he was named president of the Philippines Film Development Funds by President Ramos. The organization strives to uplift the quality of Filipino filmmaking to new, higher standards and to encourage production of foreign movies on location in the Philippines. Premiere Productions, headed by Cirio H. Santiago, still remains one of the biggest studios in the Philippines and went public in 1997.- Actress
- Soundtrack
Marie Rachel Salman was born to Jose Fazil Taleon and Cleo Salman (whose father hailed from Bethlehem), in Mar 4 1969. She studied at the Karilagan in Magallanes and Assumption College for her elementary education, and Colegio de Santa Rosa for high school. She first appeared on television as a model for a toothpaste commercial, immediately catching the attention of the public. She then guested on various television shows as a singer and dancer. Vic del Rosario and Mina Aragon of Viva Films encouraged Rachel, she of the alabaster skin and angelic face, to join the film industry. When she was just starting out in films, Rachel, using the screen name "Dawn Zulueta," immediately entranced the movie public with her performance in _Pangarap na Ginto (1990_ qv, Robin Good (1991), _Akin and pangarap mo (1991)_ qv, and _Hanggang may buhay (1992)_ qv. Dawn could combine delicate, doe-eyed innocence with strong-willed romantic personas, as seen in performances like _Apoy sa puso (1992)_ qv and the remake of the terrific ghost story, _Patayin sa sindak si Barbara (1995)_ qv, but she could also carry a movie, top-billed, when given the chance, as in the sensational, biographical rape-story, _Maggie de la Riva Story (1994)_ qv. Ms de la Riva personally chose Dawn to portray her in this searing indictment of criminal perversion. (Ms de la Riva, a beautiful actress of the 1960s, was raped in 1967, her case became controversial and dragged on in court for 5 years. The four principally accused were meted the death sentence in 1972). Dawn was nominated at the "Gawad Urian Awards" qv for her supporting role in _Kasalanan bang sambahin ka? (1990)_ qv. She won best supporting actress honors from the "Film Academy of the Philippines" qv and the Filipino Academy of Movie Arts & Sciences ("FAMAS" qv), for _Una kang naging akin (1991)_ qv; and the Best Actress honor from the "FAMAS" qv, for _Hihintayin kita sa langit (1991)_ qv, which also earned her an URIAN nomination. She was also nominated as Best Actress for _Apoy sa puso (1992)_ qv, at the URIAN awards. In 1993 Dawn represented the Philippines' movie entry, _Hihintayin kita sa langit_ qv, at the 4th ASEAN Film Festival in Bangkok, Thailand. Dawn took a respite from films after her 1997 movie _To Saudi with Love_, and made a comeback in the family ensemble-drama _Filipinas (2003)_ qv. In between, she got married to Davao businessman Anton Lagdameo in December 27, 1997. They have a child. On television, Dawn plays the Queen of Fairyland, "Inang Reyna/Mine-a," in the 2005 soap _Encantadia_ qv.- Actor
- Soundtrack
Richard Gomez was born on 7 April 1966 in Manila, Philippines. He is an actor, known for Walang hanggan (2012), Rage (1995) and Wating (1994). He has been married to Lucy Torres-Gomez since April 1998. They have one child.- Pía Reyes was born on 3 July 1964 in Manila, Philippines. She is an actress, known for Alien Abduction: Intimate Secrets (1996), Indecent Behavior III (1995) and Return of the Living Dead III (1993).
- Actor
- Composer
- Soundtrack
At early age he was discovered while dancing in the top of the bowling alley, he then become part of an afternoon show called "That's Entertainment" in the Philippines. He then had the name of Billy Joe but he changed it recently to Billy Crawford.
He moved back to the United States during his teenage years and started a career in music. He is now performing mostly in the UK, sometimes visiting schools too, to do a gig.- Actress
- Publicist
- Soundtrack
Andrea Torres was born on 4 May 1990 in Manila, Philippines. She is an actress and publicist, known for Sana ay ikaw na nga (2012), Meant to Beh (2017) and The Millionaire's Wife (2016).- Actor
- Producer
- Second Unit Director or Assistant Director
Gabby Concepcion was born on 5 November 1963 in Manila, Philippines. He is an actor and producer, known for Una kang naging akin (1991), Narito ang puso ko (1992) and Dapat ka bang mahalin? (1984). He has been married to Genevieve Yatco Gonzales since 2004. They have one child. He was previously married to Sharon Cuneta, Jenny Syquia and Grace Ibuna.- The 1981 Manila International Film Festival was designed by First Lady Imelda Marcos as an elaborate showcase of Filipino culture. To everyone's horror, the only film that sold to the world was a midget spy film - a miniature mockery of Western pop iconography, and a joyously naïve celebration of Filipino Goon Cinema - called For Y'ur Height Only. Its star, a two-foot nine primordial dwarf named Weng Weng, became the most famous Filipino celebrity of his generation both inside the Philippines and abroad, yet curiously, less than 30 years later, the real Weng Weng story has all but been forgotten even by those who worked alongside him. Blame faulty or selective memories, or a fad-driven culture that never pauses long enough to ask "who?", "what?" or "why?" - truth is, the story of Weng Weng has become one of the Philippines' greatest urban legends, and the wildest and woolliest of stories fill in the gaps. Stand-up comedian married to a porn actress, real-life secret agent, hit karaoke chanteur with Imelda, the flow is endless. Once the horsecrap hardens, it's almost impossible to extricate truth from fiction, the right from the rot.
It's taken me over a year, three visits to the Philippines and more than 40 interviews with the people closest to him, including his only surviving relative, brother Celing de la Cruz, to glean the following information. There are still enormous gaps, but this is the most detailed portrait of Weng Weng I am able to put together; my documentary The Search For Weng Weng is as complete as it ever will be.
Weng Weng was born Ernesto de la Cruz, the youngest of five brothers, on 7th September 1957 in Balacaran, a district of Pasay City (now part of the sprawling 17-city Metro Manila). A condition known as primordial dwarfism caused him to be born, in the words of his brother Celing, "no bigger than a coke bottle", and he spent the first 12 months of his life in an incubator. He was not expected to live. Naturally, it was declared a miracle when he did, and in a country that venerates miraculous acts of faith, it is no surprise that Weng Weng was dressed as the Christ-child figure at the head of Baclaran's yearly Santo Nino parade.
A cheerfully mischievous child, his family nicknamed him Weng Weng, an epithet usually reserved for toy dogs. He was obsessed with martial arts and trained almost daily, until his instructor contacted film producer Peter Caballes and said, "You just have to see THIS." Peter and his wife, the successful businesswoman Cora Ridon Caballes, took Weng Weng on the rounds of film producers, including Bobby A. Suarez, whose novelty kiddie films The Bionic Boy (1977) and Dynamite Johnson: The Bionic Boy Part 2 (1978) were already international hits. Suarez turned down the idea of Weng Weng as a midget Superman, but successful indie producer/director Luis San Juan, who specialized in kung fu films for the export market, cast Weng Weng in a cameo in a film whose name is now lost to the sands of time. Peter Caballes then introduced Weng Weng to the King of Philippines Comedy, Dolphy, who cast him as his kung-fu kicking sidekick in his spy caper The Quick Brown Fox (1980) and western parody Da Best In Da West (1981).
Weng Weng, meanwhile, was a frequent visitor of the Marcos family at the Presidential Palace, where he was made an honorary Secret Agent by future President General Ramos, and was presented with a badge and a 25-callibre pistol. This act may have been the direct inspiration for Weng Weng's first starring role as Agent OO in the James Bond parody For Y'ur Height Only, produced by Peter and written by Cora Caballes for their company Liliw Productions. Eddie Nicart, renowned stunt director for the SOS Daredevils, trained Weng Weng every day for three months to be a professional stuntman, and was given his first opportunity to direct.
It's hard to pin down the appeal of For Y'ur Height Only - whether it's the inadvertently genius deconstruction of both Western action films and their Pinoy counterparts, surreal pot-addled dubbing by American expats (and Apocalypse Now survivors) Jim Gaines and Nick Nicholson, or inspired casting of every Bad Guy (or "Goon") still alive at the time, and the James Bond of the Philippines himself, Tony Ferrer aka Agent X44, as Weng Weng's boss. It all adds up to an absurdist masterpiece of gloriously bad cinema, one which was sold all over the world and became one of the Philippines' most successful exports.
Weng Weng became an instant superstar, appearing on TV and at parties, film festivals, movie openings. Liliw Productions quickly cranked out a much less successful Agent OO sequel, The Impossible Kid (1982), and a modern Pinoy western D'Wild Wild Weng (1982), starring Weng Weng as a government agent known as "Mr Weng", which doesn't appear to have made it beyond the Philippines borders. There may be other Weng Weng film appearances, including a starring role in Agent OO (c.1981) and a guest cameo alongside the stick-thin Palito's character "James Bone", but even in the Philippines information is sketchy at best, if not non-existent.
As the profits diminished, Cora Caballes moved on to a political career and Liliw Productions folded. As a result, Weng Weng found himself no longer flavour of the month and without a film career. According to his brother, his family was poor before he became famous, and afterwards remained as poor as ever. In a bizarre twist of fate, General Ramos decided to put Weng Weng through paratrooper training; this time he was given a genuine Agent badge and was sent on infiltration missions where his size would been used to its maximum advantage. Thanks to the Caballes' connections at Manila Airport, Weng Weng was seen patrolling the Arrivals Lounge in the mid-Eighties in his blue uniform as the unlikeliest "Welcome To Manila" banner.
He continued to live in the family home in Baclaran, gained weight and, according to some reports, drank heavily, and developed hypertension after a severe reaction to eating crabmeat. His health declined steadily over the next twelve to eighteen months, and he died of heart failure on 29th August 1992, just short of his 35th birthday.
The Philippines' tiniest film icon is buried in a modest white marble tomb with his parents, grandparents and great-grandmother in Pasay City Cemetary. - Actor
- Writer
- Art Department
Pen Medina was born on 27 August 1950 in Manila, Philippines. He is an actor and writer, known for 10000 Hours (2013), Muro-ami (1999) and Layang bilanggo (2010).- Actor
- Producer
- Writer
Cesar Montano was born on 1 August 1962 in Manila, Philippines. He is an actor and producer, known for Ligalig (2006), José Rizal (1998) and Panaghóy sa subâ: The Call of the River (2004). He was previously married to Sunshine Cruz.- Aya Fernandez is a Filipino actress and host. She is originally known for being a beauty queen and MYX VJ. Aya has since crossed over to the world of Philippine TV series and continued to make a name for herself with her significant roles as Agatha Cortez in Ang sa iyo ay akin (2020), Dr. Audrey Mante in the 8th season of Ang probinsyano (2015), Sabrina Dominguez in Nag-aapoy na Damdamin (2023), and her film debut as a volleyball team captain, Jana Ramos in an independent LGBTQ+ coming-of-age sports film, Rookie (2023).
- Actress
- Writer
- Producer
Jennifer is an award-winning actor, writer, producer, and advocate for authentic storytelling. Born in the Philippines, and raised in the Seattle area, Jennifer made her professional debut as a performer with Broadway, touring, and regional credits. As an emerging screenwriter, her original pilot won the Outstanding Screenplays TV Pilot Competition 2021 as a top selection from judge Susan Soon He Stanton (Emmy Award-winning, WGA and Peabody Award-winning writer/producer on HBO's "Succession"). Jennifer is a 2022 cohort with the Unlock Her Potential mentor-ship program with show-runner/producer Brian Yorkey, a 2023 NAMT Writers Residency Grant recipient, and a 2024 cohort with the prestigious Johnny Mercer Foundation Writers Grove residency at Goodspeed Musicals.- Actress
- Producer
Ruffa Gutierrez was born on 24 June 1974 in Manila, Philippines. She is an actress and producer, known for Desperadas (2007), Kokey (2007) and Desperadas 2 (2008). She was previously married to Yilmaz Bektas and Richard Daloia.- Myra Manibog was born on 5 February 1969 in Manila, Philippines. She is an actress, known for Maalaala Mo Kaya (1991), Fortunato Salas: Kilabot ng Pampanga (1984) and Oras ng kagitingan (1986).
- Actress
- Producer
Carla Perez was born on 11 August 1970 in Manila, Philippines. She is an actress and producer, known for Power Rangers (2015), Turbo: A Power Rangers Movie (1997) and Mighty Morphin Power Rangers (1993). She has been married to Matthew Camarillo since 28 August 2004. They have one child.- Actor
- Additional Crew
- Producer
John Lloyd Cruz was born as John "Juward" Lloyd Espidol Cruz on June 24, 1983 to Luisito Llora and Aida Espidol Cruz. He is the youngest in the family. His family and some very close friends called him by his nickname "Idan". He finished his grade school at Marikina Catholic School in 1995. He was discovered by a talent scout in a mall while he was hanging out with his friends. Due to financial problems since his father's marble business was not doing well, he decided to enter showbiz to help his family.- Oyo Boy Sotto was born on 12 January 1984 in Manila, Philippines. He is an actor, known for Pakners (2003), Enteng ng Ina mo (2011) and Si Agimat si Enteng Kabisote at si ako (2012). He has been married to Kristine Hermosa since 12 January 2011. They have three children.
- Actress
- Soundtrack
Karel Marquez was born on 21 December 1986 in Manila, Philippines. She is an actress, known for Pati ba pintig ng puso? (2007), Contessa (2018) and Batang Z (1996).- Actress
- Producer
- Soundtrack
Rhian Ramos was born on 3 October 1990 in Makati, Metro Manila, Philippines. She is an actress and producer, known for Ang panday (2009), Silong (2015) and Ouija (2007).